We both headed out of my room, and while she turned for the kitchens I went in the opposite direction to the main hall.
As soon as I walked through the doors, I saw four men in one corner playing music as everyone else chatted amongst themselves and moved from one conversation to another.
I ignored the kings hard stare on me, and I made my way through as everyone bowed and greeted me kindly, I came to three women, who I’m guessing were wives, they were too nicely dressed and looked too nervous to be the usual women my father had in here.
Matthias wondered over and handed me a cup of wine “Princess, you look stunning, it’s nice to have you with us tonight!”
“Thank you, is your wife here? I haven’t seen her in so long!”
“Yes, she’s just over there” He pointed to the long wooden table, that was dressed prettily in cloth and an array of delicious foods “I think she’s mainly here for the food” he joked
I giggled “I don’t blame her, it all looks incredible, I may have to stuff my face before it all goes”
“Well, you better get there before I do then” He laughed
“MATTHIAS” Edric bellowed across the room
Matthias looked to me apologetically “Sorry princess, I must see to the king, but it is nice to have your presence here… your glow just like your mother always did” He turned and walked over to Edric, and I could see the scowl on his face. I turned my attention away from him and strolled over to the wives to keep out of my father’s way.
“Princess” The three wives sang as they curtsied
“Hello” I greeted them all warmly, “may I ask what are your names?”
“Oh, I’m Mary, this is Claudia and Mabel” the brunette informed me with a smile
“I must say princess, you look so regal” Claudia complimented as she eyed my silk dress
“Thank you, you all look lovely, am I right to assume your husbands are guards here?”
“Yes, were the dutiful wives” Mary chirped as she rolled her eyes in humour “but they already seemed to have had one too many wines already”
At the same time, we all turned our attention to the men laughing and stumbling around as they danced to the music or poured more wine into their cups, spilling most of it onto the table and the floor. We all looked back to each other as we shared the same grin, one that said, ‘oh how typical, that they and the king are drunk already!’
Matthias’s wife than joined us as she smiled widely at me “Princess Aurelia” She spoke softly “How wonderful it is to see you”
“And you, Joan” I smiled at her chubby jolly smile “It’s been a long time since we’ve spoken”
“Yes, I know my dear” her smile faded as she suddenly looked forlorn. Looping her large arm in mine, she motioned for us to walk “Come, let’s have a walk about the room”
“Sure” I agreed, and I gave a farewell nod to the other wives.
“You know princess, one of the last times I saw you it was at a party, right here, just like this one, although there were women… those ‘fun’ women”
“I don’t think I remember”
“Oh, honey you were only around fifteen years of age, you happened to stumble in here, in your nightgown and you looked so confused and worried, so Matthias and I quickly took you back to your room before your father noticed”
I could understand why! if my father would have seen me like that, he would have made sure I received a harsh punishment the next morning.
“I think you must have been still half asleep, so Matthias carried you back and I sung to you until you fell back to sleep”
“I remember!” I gasped with joy as the memory suddenly came flooding back “You tucked me into bed and sang ‘oh fair one’ to me”
“That’s right!” she smiled “You still seemed so small and timid, so we wanted to keep you away from what was happening at the party”
“Well, thank you Joan, luckily I’m used to them now”
She looked at me in surprise “You mean, you attend those parties?”
I shrugged “Some!... but never for long, father tends to send me away when he feels I’ve outstayed my welcome”
“Oh honey” she spoke sympathetically “I am so sorry I don’t visit anymore, but the king didn’t like me being around much after your mother passed so Matthias said I had been warned to stop seeing you”
“What?” I asked in shock
“Yes, my dear. I don’t know if you remember but I was very good friends with your mother, so I guess your father didn’t want me around you, he always complained that your mother was making you too soft, so perhaps he felt my presence around you would do the same thing”
“I can’t believe it… I just assumed you were too busy, or now that I am older you didn’t want to see me anymore”
Her mouth fell slightly agape, with a sadness in her eyes “Oh, quite the contrary princess, I always loved spending time with you, I always think of you my dear and I do always hope you’re faring well”
I nodded with a smile to bring her some comfort “Yes, I’m doing just fine Joan, and I have Maude here with me every day, everything is ok”
“And your father… how… how does he treat you?”
“Umm… best as he can I suppose”
“Oh, my dear, it’s no secret that the king is a cold man, so don’t pretend with me”
I looked to her with an admitting smile “Ok” I whispered “He’s not the easiest to deal with but I get by, its all that I can do anyway”
“Well, now that I finally have an excuse to be here without being in trouble with your father, I wanted to tell you that, if you ever need somewhere to sit for a little while or someone to talk to, well… your always welcome in my home, honey. We can talk about anything. I really do want to be there for you princess, I promised your mother I always would, and I want you to know I do care for you”
I smiled at her with appreciation and warmth at her comfort, but it was just another reminder of my father’s spiteful actions of trying to keep as many people away from me as possible.
“Princess Aurelia, good evening” Mallon bowed before me causing mine and Joan’s private conversation to stop abruptly.
“Good evening, Mallon, this is a friend of mine, Joan”.
“Well, it’s lovely to meet one of Aurelia’s friends, how do you do Joan?”
Joan giggled under his charm as she curtsied “It’s an honor to finally meet you prince Mallon”
He smiled kindly at her then looked to me “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, I was just wandering If you would join me for a dance?”
“Oh, you’re not interrupting anything at all prince Mallon” Joan quickly intervened “I was just about to have some more wine anyway” she beamed as she gave me a subtle wink, unlooped her arm from mine and walked away.
“So, about that dance?” He asked me again with a charming smile, his blue eyes twinkling
I nodded “Ok, I guess I’d better say yes, seeing as you asked so nicely… twice!” I commented playfully.
He laughed as he twirled me over to the dancefloor “Well a lady as nice, should be asked twice” he witted and it caused me to burst into laughter
“So charming… does it ever tire you out?” I joked
“Oh, being so naturally charming is never tiring” he grinned as we came closer together and he lightly placed his hand on my back, and with his other hand he held mine gently, as if he was purposefully trying to tease my skin with his touch and it was working! I felt so nervous as my stomach rippled with waves of excitement and joy and… something else, something I didn’t recognise.
Even though the music was quite fast paced and everyone around us were dancing and bopping around loudly and joyfully in a drunken state, me and Mallon just swayed and stepped together in sync as I allowed my free hand to rest on the back of his neck. My fingers felt tingly and fidgety, wanting to touch his skin but not daring myself to be so bold and a part of me felt too scared to feel his warmth under my fingertips, fearing I’d be overcome with too many nerves and the last thing I wanted right now, was to become red faced right in front of him.
He looked intently at me as we ignored our surroundings, our eyes only holding on to each other.
“Can I spend some time with you again tomorrow?” he asked pleadingly
I nodded “Of course… that’s if you can tear yourself away from the king of course” I amused
He chuckled and I felt his forefinger suddenly caress my skin just for a fleeting moment. “I’ll just tell him I want to see you”
I smiled, all of a sudden feeling safe and warm in his presence and I wanted to applaud his bravery at being so honest with my father. He might not know him like I do, but I did know Edric didn’t like people being so bold with him especially seeing as his plan was to purposefully groom the prince to his standards.
We danced more as time passed while he twirled me, and we laughed together when he attempted to show me some of his dance moves that he and his brothers made up together. I felt slightly envious of him, he had siblings and from what I know of his family so far, they seem a great deal warmer and more affectionate than the one and only blood member I had here.
Just as we were dancing closely once more, my eyes unwillingly drifted from Mallon and wandered around the rest of the room. I felt a change in the mood and noise, as soon as my eyes scanned the hall, I noticed the wives were leaving, but the men were still drinking and two servants had bought out more containers of wine and ale, I knew this meant it was now time for just the men to enjoy themselves and the only women that would be welcome here now are those that would come here to please the drunken slobs.
I didn’t waste another moment, knowing I was about to out stay my welcome and it wouldn’t be worth it in the morning.
I loosened my hand from Mallon’s and smiled politely as he looked at me in confusion, but he still wasn’t used to my fathers ’ways’!
“Well, I must go to bed now”
“Now? But why?” he asked looking puzzled and slightly hurt
“Well...” I nodded my head for him to look around “It’s time for just the men to enjoy the rest of the party, so I better go”
“May I walk you to your bedchambers?”
I chortled with embarrassment “I fear that, if anyone should see us leaving together, they may get the wrong impression”
“Oh” he chuckled shyly and quickly nodded with understanding “Forgive me, I must admit, it completely slipped my mind, I guess I just didn’t want our time to be over quite just yet!”
What is it about this man that keeps a constant smile on my face whenever he’s around?
“I had a lovely evening with you Mallon”
“And I you, Aurelia”
“I shall see you tomorrow
“I can’t wait” he ginned fondly, and I felt my nerves return.
I quickly gave him a polite courtesy then made my way hurriedly out of the hall before Edric could spot that I was still there. Luckily, he was too distracted punching one of his guards in the face playfully, but hard enough to show off that he was the more powerful man!
I rushed to my room, trying to squish down the bubbling feeling that Mallon had caused, just the reminder of his hand on mine made me feel anger at the betrayal of my own heart... I knew what it was doing... it was falling for Mallon even though I had strictly warned myself not to fall for his charm, especially so quickly!
I awoke the next morning feeling more apprehensive than I had ever felt before as I dressed in an emerald gown and le my hair down loose. I hated that the prince had such an affect on me, stirring hot and fiery sparks that always arose from my stomach every time I saw him, it was both electrifying and scary at the same time. I found myself eager to see him and it unnerved me that he already had that power over me, a man I still barely knew.Just as I was walking down the corridor toward the castle doors, I felt a presence behind me, and I could hear panted breaths. I swung around to see the prince swiftly approaching with a jovial smile, I curtsied as he reached me and I could already feel my heart pounding excitedly... “Mallon, good morning”“Good morning, Aurelia, I must say you’re looking more beautiful every time I see you”.I sniggered at his compliment, feeling myself heat up under his gaze. “Are you on your way to see the king?”“Uh, no, I’ve already had word with him this morn
Today I was in need of fresh air and a friendly face, one that I knew I could trust so I decided to visit Joan, she lived just outside the village in one of the less dilapidated houses, so I dressed in a gown and my cloak and snuck quietly out of my room. I knew I had to be quick and as silent as possible, so no one would bother me.I paced down the long corridor and peeped through the door that led to the main hall, this was the only way out to the entrance of the castle. Even with all my adventuring around the castle when I was small, I never came upon a hidden way out, as I got older, I kept wishing I could claw my own way out.The coast was clear, not a noise or whisper in sight, I shimmed through the open gap of the door and hurried across the hall, damning it for being so large, luckily, I had purposefully put my flat shoes on with soft soles on so they wouldn’t echo a clacking noise through the room. The entrance was getting closer with only one guard stationed there and it was
I awoke the next morning feeling elated as I stretched out and felt butterflies rush through me at the thought of seeing Mallon today. I jumped up out of bed and began running through my dresses, trying to decide on which one to wear today, but my nose scrunched up at how shabby they all looked. I lost count of the times I had sewn and fixed the hems and the bodice. I made my mind up on the dark blue with white trim and my blue shoes.I sat at my vanity desk as I began brushing through my hair, letting it tumble loosely down my back and shoulders. A faint knock at my door interrupted my peace “Come in” I called out and Maude walked in, looking downcast as she shut my door quietly behind her.“Is everything ok Maude?” I asked concerninglyShe looked at me sadly as she came closer, then reaching into the pocket of her apron, she pulled out a crisp white piece of folded paper and held it out for me to take.“The prince just left” she informed me, with sympathy in her voiceI paused in an
Mallon’s POV:Northlaye was far from view now as I raced home barely stopping to allow my horses and guardsman to rest, but every time we stopped, the more impatient I became, knowing that every moment was …. . I hated parting ways with Aurelia the way that I did, only gifting her a letter… a letter that would probably give her so many unanswered questions, but I knew If I faced her the morning I left, it would make it even more impossible for me to leave, to walk away from that beautiful smile and the warm glow that always seems to surround her wherever she goes.She’d have questions and I just didn’t have all the answers for her, even I didn’t know what would become of us now. I desperately want to marry her, I want to love her and cherish her the way she should be, to show her every day just how precious and beautiful she is, but my father had strict instructions and my loyalty had to be to him, he had to know all the things I witnessed and heard, there is no way he would want to j
Aurelia:It’s been eight weeks since Mallon left Northlaye and Edric’s patience has started to wear thin. Within the last few days, he’s asked to see me several times, only so he can scold and belittle me. “There’s been no word! No word!!” he would scream in my face “I knew he was pretending to want you as a bride, I’ll be he couldn’t wait to get as far from you as possible” It was only yesterday morning he had blamed me again and now I was starting to believe it myself, what if it was all a ruse? A pretence so he could get away from here without causing a potential war!He would call King Aldrich a weak pussy, not strong enough to rule a kingdom and the way things were going, I could sense that maybe King Aldrich’s kingdom would soon not be safe from my father’s wrath… my father’s pride was on the balance here and for him that was something that would wound him more than anything else and I knew before he hit at them, he’d hit at me first and I was dreading that day!“Have you finish
The next morning, I ate alone in my room then set out for a morning walk, a time when it would be quiet and I could head to the woods to pretend just for a moment I was free, even with Nathaniel by my side he could sense I wanted just peace today, no conversation, no worries and no king Edric! But just as we were out of the doors, I noticed in the distance a small heard of horses and men with flags pacing toward us in the distance, both me and Nathaniel stopped in our tracks immediately as we looked before us in confusion and concern.“Go and tell the king! I demanded as I glanced to Nathaniel “they have a flag, it must be someone of importance and call Matthias he should be in the main hall”He nodded and quickly ran back into the castle, I slowly made my way to the gates as I motioned to the guards standing nearby to follow me, I could start to make out the colours of yellow and white on their flag, and it was colours I did not recognise to belong to any of our allies. “Be prepared
Aldrich’s POV:I knew I had to go into this meeting tactfully, not showing my true thoughts about king Edric and his rule, I had to come here to form my own opinion before I could really make a sound decision on what course to take, but I had a feeling Mallon’s description of Edric was not exaggerated, why just meeting Aurelia had already given me an inkling on that.The moment I saw her at the gate, I knew straight away it had to be her, her long hair shone just as warmly as her smile and the kindness in her sea blue eyes that betrayed her, for they proved just how innocent and submissive she was and I was eager to know the young girl more… the girl that in a short space of time managed to make my son fall in love with her and truth be told, a part of me didn’t want her to leave my side, I had a funny feeling she’d be the only one here with some sense, someone I could relate to.Mr Williamson pulled out a chair at a long, narrow and stained wooden table, I nodded in thanks to the poo
Aldrich’s POV:Polite little Maude escorted me to Edric’s privy chamber and I was annoyingly shocked at how overdecorated it was. My eyes glanced quickly over the many tapestries that hung neatly on the walls, the long expensive rugs coating the stone floor, his desk was covered in gold and silver ornaments, more of them flocked all around the room, neatly lined on the floor in front of the walls. His desk chair looked as plush and rich as his throne! When I first arrived here yesterday, I felt the place was very plain, cold and underdressed, barely any decorative attempt anywhere... and now I know why, Edric had only felt it necessary to completely cover his own room with pricey trinkets and materials. I inwardly rolled my eyes as Edric motioned for me to sit in the empty chair opposite his desk.“Have you enjoyed your morning here, my friend?” Edric asked me as his lips turned up into a cocky smileFriend? I scoffed to myself “Yes I have, in fact, I decided to spend a little bit of